Bureaucracy in business is type of bureaucratic organization. The term came into use in the 18th century in France. In sociology, the term bureaucracy refers to the particular form of organization of human activities.
A characteristic feature of the bureaucracy is to replace the authority of tradition by structured rules.

Features and characteristics of bureaucracy and bureaucratic organization

It is a specific type of organization. An extensive definition of the bureaucracy was formulated by the German sociologist Max Weber (1947). Weber was concerned with the issue of power. He identified three models of bureaucracy: legal-rational (classic), charismatic and traditional. The organization is more effective if it is closer to the model of an ideal bureaucracy.

It should be noted that, in contrast to today's meaning of the Weber's bureaucracy was an alternative to the widespread nepotism and abuse of power. To solve this problem, there is need for workers with average capacity of rational people who impartially and efficiently serve their customers. An important feature of the ideal bureaucracy is rationality, which stems from design of functions and processes.